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Halladay praises Hamels in interview

Roy Halladay is now the Phillies' ace, and is probably the preeminent pitcher in the National League. But in a Sporting News interview to be released this week, the righthander made a point to compliment his new No. 2, Cole Hamels, as well as his competition.

"I think he's up there," Roy Halladay said of Cole Hamels' place among NL pitchers. (Clem Murray/Staff file photo)
"I think he's up there," Roy Halladay said of Cole Hamels' place among NL pitchers. (Clem Murray/Staff file photo)Read more

Roy Halladay is now the Phillies' ace, and is probably the preeminent pitcher in the National League. But in a Sporting News interview to be released this week, the righthander made a point to compliment his new No. 2, Cole Hamels, as well as his competition.

"I'd never vote for myself," Halladay, 32, told the magazine when asked whether he was the best pitcher in the NL East.

He said New York Mets lefthander Johan Santana "has always been fun to watch. The way Cole pitched in the playoffs a couple of years ago and at times last year, I think he's up there. Some of the Marlins' younger guys are scary - Josh Johnson. There's a lot of talent."

Halladay's high opinion of Hamels was a reminder that the 26-year-old lefthander was considered a top pitcher just 12 months ago, and that the Phillies expect him to return to that status this season.

The Phillies' belief in Hamels, who plans to add a cutter or slider to his repertoire of fastball, change-up, and curveball this spring, allowed them to trade their 2009 World Series ace, Cliff Lee, to Seattle in the complex string of December deals that netted them Halladay and prospects.

(Lee had foot surgery this week that the Mariners are calling minor.)

In the interview, Halladay also reiterated his strong desire to pitch in the postseason - the reason he decided to leave Toronto.

"It's the one driving force," Halladay said. "I feel like I've been fortunate to accomplish different things that I didn't necessarily set out to accomplish, but was able to do it, anyway. And I think through all of that I realized how important winning is to me. It's not a lot of fun playing in September knowing you're leaving to go home Oct. 1. That is definitely very hard."